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Luke 8:34-37
In Luke 8:34-37 those who were tending the pigs were most likely concerned that they would not receive the blame for the pigs rushing over the cliff to their death. Once the report was given, the people of the town went out to investigate and found the demon-possessed man healed from the demons that had plagued him for such a long time (Luke 8:35-36). The people may have been happy to see the man healed, however, the loss of the entire herd of pigs was a great loss to the owner. Controversy was sure to have broken out as the decision to ask Jesus to leave was the result. Jesus did not force himself on the people, but when asked to leave, He complied (Luke 8:37).
This is an example that the ways of God are not always understood by men.
This is an example of the self-centeredness of man.
Jesus allowed an innocent man to experience a great economic loss in the saving of one man. The owner of the pigs did nothing that we can determine from this story to deserve such a financial loss. But Jesus spoke quite often about the material things of this world being of no eternal value. When it comes to eternal life, the loss of the entire herd of pigs in comparison to the life of one man is of no comparison at all – the man was created in the image of God and the spiritual battle won by Jesus in sending the “Legion” of demons running terrified is the real victory.
Jesus is proving His superiority over Satan in this story. Jesus is showing the people that when His time comes to die on the cross, He will rise victorious over sin, death, and Satan. Jesus is showing the people that He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Dear Lord,
We have a tendency to become more focused on our financial stability than our eternal destination. Please help us to see that we must first put our focus on You and realize our need for Jesus to be in our hearts, and then we will be able to see the value of salvation in Jesus Christ, Your Son, whom You sent to save the world from sin (John 3:17). In Jesus name I pray, amen.